I Had a Vasectomy, but Now I Want to Father a Child. What Next?

When you made the decision to have a vasectomy, it all seemed so clear: You wanted to avoid unexpected pregnancies — permanently. But, things change. Life changes. If you’re reconsidering your choice and want to father a child, you still have options.

Realizing that you might’ve made a hasty decision to have a vasectomy can feel scary and even overwhelming. But at Urology Specialists of Cypress, our board-certified urologist Dr. James Stocks can help you through this.

You’re not alone, and you do have options. Thanks to advancements in urology, there are effective options to help you achieve your goal of fathering a child after a vasectomy.

Dr. Stocks has an empathetic bedside manner and a deep understanding of men’s unique needs. We take the time to understand where you’re coming from, review your personal goals, and design a plan that gives you the best chance of becoming a father.

Read on to learn about two common paths you can take.

Vasectomy reversal

A vasectomy doesn’t stop your body from producing sperm; it simply blocks their path to your semen. So, while your semen lacks sperm right now, there’s a way to remove that blockage through vasectomy reversal.

In your vasectomy, your doctor disconnected the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles). Generally, the disconnection involves snipping the tubes and closing the ends using small stitches or searing.

In a vasectomy reversal, Dr. Stocks does the opposite: He reconnects the severed ends of the vas deferens, restoring the connection so your sperm can mix into your semen again. This highly precise, delicate microsurgery is highly successful.

According to the American Urological Association, about 90% of vasectomy reversals are successful today, with 70% of patients achieving the desired pregnancy. But, it’s important to note that the chance of a successful procedure declines over time. So, if you decide you want a vasectomy reversal, “the sooner the better” is the general rule.

Other paths to fatherhood

If you’re not a candidate for vasectomy reversal, you have other options. As we mentioned above, you still produce sperm after a vasectomy. Sperm retrieval is a way to access that sperm.

Procedures, including TESA testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) and PESA (percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration). They involve using a needle to remove a small amount of sperm from either the gland that creates sperm or the coiled tubules that store it before it moves into the vas deferens. This retrieval is a minimally invasive procedure with local anesthesia.

Then, assisted reproductive technology approaches can help you become a father. In vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection can join sperm and egg to create an embryo in a lab.

After ART procedures, the fertilized egg is soon ready for implantation in your partner’s uterus or your chosen gestational carrier. An ART procedure can maximize your chances of conception in a controlled environment.

Vasectomy reversal consultations in Cypress, Texas

Dr. Stocks understands that deciding to reverse a vasectomy is deeply personal. Whether you’re considering microsurgery or IVF, the first step is scheduling a consultation to discuss your options. We’re here to guide you, so click here to schedule your consultation today.